Dr. Cocktail

Continue to have a good time!

THESE are the exact sort of discussions that I wanted to start!!! I haven't been on Crystal but one of the usual suspects here keeps posting and reposting and reposting again about how much he paid so I wanted to address that head on! There have been far too many posts by people who haven't been on Explora who are reviewing it sight unseen and confidently stating "well, I know and I'm entitled to my opinions". I wanted some actual comparisons and you've given them! Stickman: I LOVE your posts and you've brought up some very interesting points on how do you compare and what is "luxury" and what is important to us in higher end cruises. My partner and I are late 50's/just turned 60 and we're both tall guys who need some room! I'd be fine (and have been fine ) for smaller rooms on expedition cruises but I really like a bit of space to spread out in. I could care less about a production show and actually run for cover when they're offered! Dining and service are extremely subjective so that gets dicey. We always choose the itinerary/region we want to go to and then see what's on offer. At this stage of my life, I'm happiest with a large cabin, some good lounge entertainment and food that uses quality ingredients. John: again someone who I take seriously! Of what you've listed, where Explora fails for me is the complimentary wines and general alcohol selection. Itineraries will change as Explora expands to 6 ships. I like the 4 dining venues on E but agree that Med Yacht Club and Fil Rouge should have some rotating items. Again, the rest aren't that important to me.

There’s been a lot of misinformation regarding Explora vs Crystal that has been tossed around on these boards. I thought I’d put my University Statistics Courses to use and clear the air a bit. Crystal Symphony has 295 cabins, of which 71 are Ocean View with no balcony. These cabins are 215 square feet, slightly smaller than what you would find on a newer Carnival ship. There are then 48 Sapphire suites clocking in at 430 square feet, again without a veranda. So a luxurious 40% of the cabins don’t have a veranda. When was the last time that you sailed without a veranda. Do you remember? I certainly don't! An equally luxurious 33% of cabins are 215 square feet in total. No wonder you get a paring knife …. you’ll need it to stab yourself effectively (not possible with a butter knife) after spending any time in these tiny rooms. Not to worry, you can always go into the corridor if you need space to change your mind! Let’s be fair and have a go at Crystal Serenity. There are more verandas so the number of oceanview cabins drops to 16% of the total. But again, a whopping 30% are a luxurious 215 square feet or again, the same size as Carnival. Knives out please…. Let’s mosey onto Explora 1. The majority of cabins are OT’s and GT’s , or Ocean Terraces and Grand Terraces which make up a whopping 80% of the capacity. They are 301 square feet with balconies ranging from 75 to118 square feet. On Crystal, the comparable cabin is an Aquamarine Veranda (and for those harping on Explora’s terminology, last I checked, Aquamarine was a colour and not indicative of anything else….) which is comparable to the OT’s with interior dimensions of up to (extremely suspicious words) 323 square feel and a veranda of 86 square feet. Let’s continue with objective facts and NOT subjective empirical statements and look at comparable per diems. I have chosen a very similar itinerary for December of 2025 - we’ll use Canadian Dollars for both Crystal and Explora. Crystal has an eight night voyage starting at $5500 pp for an oceanview cabin and $5650 for a veranda … about $1375 per couple per day, again in a tiny room. The Aquamarine veranda is $7450 pp for a total of about $1863 per couple per day (as a reminder - about equivalent to an OT) On almost the same days, Explora is also offering an 8 day itinerary … for $9600 or $1200 per couple per night. Ok - Aquamarine $1863 a night vs OT at $1200 a night. Let’s take it up a notch ….a Penthouse on Explora will be $9550 pp or $2400 per couple per night. The same size room on Crystal doesn’t exist … it would be between an Aquamarine or Sapphire (Grande anyone? More “meaningless nomenclature”) Veranda. I split the difference in cost between the two and that would be $17500 or $2187 per couple per night. ABOUT THE SAME AS EXPLORA. Let’s repeat: the VAST MAJORITY of passengers on Explora totalling 80% of capacity are sailing in cabins ridiculously superior to Crystal at a much reduced cost. Sailing on Crystal in the equivalent of an OT would cost 35% more!!! That buys a lot of fruit knives, fish forks and other sundry items. I invite all of you to check my math …. Leave emotional, subjective responses out of your arguments. Just the facts please!!!!

I can be bribed…

Now, now - don’t be like everyone else reviewing before you sailed! TBD in person!

Is your wife on CC?

Keep an eye out for the two guys with the “interesting” t-shirts 👕!

From the sublime to the ridiculous … who do you think you are…. me? Those Toronto people….. ps - I haven’t even HEARD of Emerald Ocean …. Is that like Irish ☘️ Spring? Ok - just realized they’re part of Seen-it

It was 60 days for both my sailings

We thought that it was too quiet last time but hopefully I won't be bemoaning the crowd this time! The young and eager staff were actually a bit bored - I think that they will all enjoy being a lot more challenged this time around. I totally agree re the Shorex.

Progress!!! My cancelled reservations have finally disappeared and all by bookings are now listed in order of date of departure. As you said, still not functional for my upcoming sailing but definitely in the right direction. ps - did you end up making your dining reservations or are you "winging it"? I know that the March 1st sailing currently has close to 800 (!) passengers.

I'm not sure why people think that this is funny.... On an upcoming fall cruise, I too booked Concierge as it was the only way to get a footstool/ottoman on our large hump veranda. For the small price difference, it was easier than lugging my inflatable ones .... I could care less about the swill, I mean Sparkling Wine-oid product, embarkation lunch or daily cheese poofs. I guess the inflatables are going back into my luggage!

For central Toronto, Dixon Road and then Lawrence!

I’m restating …. I stopped counting my AC flight back from MIA this March after the TENTH CHANGE!!! 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️ Actually rebooked after the second change as there was ZERO way to make the flight and they then rescheduled my original flight so I could have actually made it! And this is how a near monopoly operates…. I view this as Alexandria does - make it a POSITIVE experience! Grab an Uber to a hotel with a day pass and enjoy a few hours in the sun. Alternatively, use a luggage storage facility on FLL beach and go for a walk and have lunch! About $100 (including your data roaming!) will buy you a GREAT day!

I’m weighing in on this again because I feel so strongly about it! Odds are - you’ll be fine but you’ll likely start stressing the night before arrival and continue to do so until you’re off the ship! If you’re NOT fine and you miss your flight, you’re on your own. You’ll have to buy a new ticket unless the agent takes (unlikely) pity on you. None of these CC members extolling you not to be negative are pulling out their Visa cards to pay for your new flight. And…. Most flights are beyond full these days - no guarantee that you’re getting on a flight that same Sunday. Again, I have witnessed people FREAKING OUT on board on arrival day as we’re one to 4 hours (medical emergency) late and they’ve missed their flight.

It's three hours officially for a full refund. With all of my cruises and in the situation described by the op, I have NEVER paid a change fee! But .... it's the call center, not online. In fact, if I've said "I'm sorry, I booked this to get back from a cruise and this new time simply doesn't work", I've actually gotten a refund a few times and used it to rebook at a better fare! Coming back from my next Explora cruise, my flight has now been changed ..... 10 times! (actually - I STOPPED counting after the 10th change.....)

If AC has moved your flight time at all, the change is free. I have been on many cruises that have arrived late in port because of weather including fog and medical emergencies.

I need to clarify my position on the wines! I did enjoy them .... the FIRST time but not the same ones 9 days in a row. They should have a 7 day rotation .... there are literally hundreds of wines at the same price point for them to choose from. They need to mix it up a bit. I'm not backing down on the bathrooms! No electrical outlets, the mirror fogs in 14 milliseconds and the door opens into the entrance of the shower making it difficult for two people to get ready at the same time. Oh, and while you're at it, put in a night light and don't have the bathroom door immediately opposite the bed in a Penthouse! A much better arrangement in the OT's....

Isn't it great that we have the health and means to enjoy and compare these superb new products?

As a proud Canadian I've got this covered ...... we're packing 5 large Maple 🍁 boughs. I will use the leaves instead of toilet paper, tap the branches for the sap and ask one of the chefs in the Emporium to boil half for syrup and rapid ferment the other half for maple wine. Obviously, I will be the source for the new Alternative Gas Engines.

You'd be crazy not to book Crystal with that difference in price! At this stage in life and with ageing animals, I'm can't really go over two weeks. But your points are taken - as the Explora fleet expands, I expect to see some significant changes. Say "hi" to Bali, or "Bali Hi!"

With that logic, why should I expect anything from Regent or Oceania as they're owned by NCLHI, Seabourn and Cunard by Carnival and Silversea by the Royal Caribbean Group? You've made some valid comments but please don't be an arbiter of what is and isn't important to a cruiser. As someone who is spoiled enough to see about 30 live performances a year in Toronto and NYC, most cruise ship "entertainment" is an oxymoron to me. Explora is trying something different - I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. They're on the right track. Racing through my meal to make it to a plastic show? Not luxury. Or how about only having one show (I'm talking to you Oceania and Regent) where if I like to dine late, I don't even get to see the show. Not particularly luxurious. You are also equating "luxury" almost entirely based on your meals. As someone who likes to sit on deck during the shade and read, Explora is provided me a fantastic canvas on which to do that. Great bars and different vibes. ALL the luxury lines and in particular, Regent and Seabourn are known for their overcrowded pool decks with people fighting for chairs. Not "luxury" to me. But if it doesn't work for you, it doesn't! It's not simply "bad" because you didn't like it. There ARE problems - the wines are not up to snuff, the bathrooms are a disappointment and there should be daily specials in Fil Rouge and Med Yacht Club. I have 4 more booked and am NOT cancelling!

Well, you're certainly not ...

Thanks for taking valuable time out of your vacation to post!!!

Ok, time for you to change out of your cranky pants! Why is it “dreadful” to have movies under the stars in a venue otherwise not used in the evening? With headphones on, in what way, shape or form does this affect YOU? It’s a nice outdoor entertainment alternative. Period.